Lomi Lomi

Lomi Lomi is the Hawaiian word for “massage”, and it is part of a larger native Hawaiian tradition of healing and natural body care. I learned through my “kumu” (teacher) in Maui that all living beings are seeking a state of “ho’oponopono” (right balance) through love, gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness. During a Lomi Lomi session I begin with a traditional Hawaiian “pule” (prayer) chant and “malama” (care for) your body through a deep rhythmic flow, mimicking the rolling ocean waves. I skillfully address the muscles, tendons, and ligaments as well as the bones lying deep within, while reviving your spirit and filling your body with the “pono” (righteous) energy of love. If this modality appeals to you, ask me about 4-handed Lomi Lomi!

“What is Lomi Lomi?

The ability to communicate down to and with the bones. Hawaiians believe that the bones carry the genetic content of who we are at the soul level. The key to this work is your touch-what are you feeling through your hands and what message are you conveying. Lomi Lomi is a gentle but firm approach reflective of the strong female teachers whose instruction influenced this style of Lomi as we know it today. Be an ambassador of Aloha and pour out love showing that we are one (Lokahi). We are all connected.

Lomi Lomi was the act of lovingly massaging salt to the body of the deceased by close family members. The intention was to purify the journey into the next place as well as to tenderize the flesh through massage so it would easily release from the bones and the bones could be preserved. Lomi today is still the same. We see ourselves as 'ohana lovingly massaging clients as though they are our sister, father, grandmother etc. We assist them in moving forward to the next place on their healing journey.

~Aunty Mahilani Poe Poe

– Jeana Iwalani Naluai, MPT, LMT:

Background

Jeana Iwalani Naluai, MPT, LMT, Ho’omana Spa Maui Director, is a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner committed to perpetuating her culture through the healing arts. She has been practicing bodywork for nearly 20 years and has been an instructor in Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage and spiritual teachings since 2005. Jeana is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Physical Therapist in the state of Hawaii and has owned a private cultural healing practice for 10 years.

As a client receiving a Lomi Lomi massage the main difference you will notice is that the massage is performed on your entire body at once. Unlike most other massages where the therapist uncovers and treats one body region at a time, in a Lomi Lomi massage the therapist will use long flowing strokes that go from head to toe in a continuous, rhythmic movement massaging both the top and the underside of your body.

The unique underbody massage strokes can be performed because the Lomi Lomi massage is done on a massage table with no top or bottom sheets. Normally you are draped with a small towel just to cover the genitals which were considered sacred in Hawaii. While face up women are customarily offered breast covering, however, in traditional Lomi Lomi no breast covering is used. While the breasts are not massaged, the sternum (between the breasts) is massaged along with the entire side of the body. Some of these techniques cannot be performed with breast draping. While face down the buttocks is usually minimally covered at least to ensure the genitals are covered. This minimal draping enables the therapist to slide his or her hands and arms under and around your body using massage techniques unique to this form of therapy.

Receiving a Lomi Lomi massage was considered a great honor in ancient Hawaii. The treatment was performed for centuries in Hawaiian temples as a rite of passage and renewing ritual. A young man or young woman receiving a Lomi Lomi would often have a vision or intuitive feeling as to what their place in the community would be. Today’s practitioners still recognize and respect the sacredness of this treatment. The client is treated with great honor and is considered a sacred body on an altar by the therapist. While the full body strokes and embracing techniques can make this massage a very sensual experience for the client, the therapist is always viewing the client through this sacred lens thus allowing the client the freedom to relax and embrace their feelings without judgment by the therapist.

Lomi Lomi massage treats the mind and body

Traditionally Lomi Lomi is a deep, therapeutic type of massage designed to release muscle tension and consequently physical stress. The ancient Hawaiian shaman believed in a strong mind-body connection and believed that muscle tension and mental stress were highly related. By using the techniques of the Lomi Lomi the shaman or kahuna would release tense muscles and provide an overall healing treatment to the recipient.

At the core of the Hawaiian Shamanic beliefs are Seven Sacred Principles:

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